String comparison
RPM Team vs Lynx Tour
Babolat RPM Team against Head Lynx Tour: ratings, specs and which one fits your junior.
The short answer
Both are polyester strings. RPM Team leads on power and comfort. Lynx Tour leads on spin. They score the same for arm friendliness (3/5). Lynx Tour costs less per set.
Ratings
Power
Spin
Control
Comfort
Durability
Tension hold
Ratings are on a 1–10 scale. The higher score is in bold when they differ.
Pick RPM Team if…
- You want more power (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- You want more comfort (7 vs 6 out of 10)
- Your player is younger (recommended from age 13 vs 14)
- Best for: players who like Blast but want more comfort
- Best for: juniors with fast swings seeking control
- Best for: all-court players wanting spin with comfort
Pick Lynx Tour if…
- You want more spin (9 vs 8 out of 10)
- You want to spend less (from $14 vs $17 a set)
- Best for: players wanting spin + control combo
- Best for: those who find Hyper-G too stiff
- Best for: control-oriented baseliners
Specs side by side
| Spec | RPM Team | Lynx Tour |
|---|---|---|
| Type | Polyester | Polyester |
| Construction | Eight-sided co-polymer with silicone coating and micro air bubbles | 6-sided co-polyester monofilament with low-friction surface |
| Gauges | 16, 17 | 16, 17 |
| Stiffness | Medium high | Medium |
| Set price | $17–19 | $14–18 |
| Reel price | $120–140 | $150–180 |
| Arm friendliness | 3/5 · Moderate | 3/5 · Moderate |
| Cost to maintain | 4/5 | 4/5 |
| Recommended from | Age 13 | Age 14 |
| Levels | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite | Intermediate, Advanced, Elite |
| Play styles | Baseliner, All court, Big hitter | Baseliner, All court |
| Junior tension | 48-52 lbs for juniors. Holds tension better than Blast so can string at normal range. | 50-54 lbs for juniors. Plays well at mid tensions. |
RPM Team in short
The string of choice for Carlos Alcaraz when he won his first Grand Slams. Launched in 2012 as a more comfortable version of RPM Blast, RPM Team combines an eight-sided shape for bite with a cross-linked silicone surface to boost snapback. What sets it apart is its low-density design using micro air bubbles to cushion ball impact. Despite being designed for comfort, it tested as one of the firmest Babolat strings in the lab - proving the air bubble technology works. Better tension maintenance than Blast makes it more cost-effective for frequent players.
Lynx Tour in short
Head Lynx Tour features six spin-friendly edges and a low-friction surface for powerful snapback at impact. It fills the gap between the softer original Lynx and the stiffer Hawk. A crisp poly with consistent, predictable response that never felt harsh. Above average tension maintenance for a co-poly makes it a favorite among playtesters. "The high degree of control, easy access to spin and better tension maintenance than most co-polys make Head Lynx Tour one of my favorite strings." Plays very similar to Hyper-G but with slightly more comfort.
RPM Team vs Lynx Tour: quick answers
Which has more spin, RPM Team or Lynx Tour?
Head Lynx Tour, with a spin rating of 9/10 against 8/10.
Which is more arm-friendly for a junior?
They score the same, 3/5. RPM Team is recommended from age 13 and Lynx Tour from age 14.
Which lasts longer?
They tie on durability (8/10). Tension maintenance: RPM Team 8/10, Lynx Tour 8/10.
Which is cheaper?
RPM Team costs about $17–19 a set and Lynx Tour about $14–18, at typical retail.
The short answer and the "pick if" lists are generated from our ratings and junior data only. Data verified 2025-01 (RPM Team) and 2025-01 (Lynx Tour).